It was inspired casting to get popular Isle of Wight drag star Quivers to ditch the make-up and take on an entirely different role.
Quivers was a revelation as the iconic Frank Spencer, the hapless but loveable central character in Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em.
The play, based on the 1970s TV sitcom, is being staged at Department in Ryde for the next few Wednesday nights.
From the first "ooh" uttered by Frank, the audience knew they were in for a treat.
Every word, every nuance, every glance, every ad-lib to the audience - this was Frank Spencer personified. A brilliantly endearing and funny performance.
Quivers, we need to see more of you (no, that's not a double entendre)!
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Frank's foil was long-suffering sweet wife Betty, again well cast with Ellie Warne terrific in the style of Michele Dotrice - she had the voice and mannerisms down pat.
Betty was trying to tell Frank she was having a baby, but things got very confused and there were several distractions and accidents along the way, of course!
Able supporting actors impressed too. Joe Plumb, Selwyn Hawtin, Caroline Read and Fizz Lewis-Marlton all had great stage presence.
It was carnage, but you'd expect nothing else while you're in Frank's house.
It was also laugh-out-loud as promised - from start to finish.
The writer of Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em, Ray Allen, was from Ryde, and so in keeping with Department's ethos of celebrating local talent, it was a fitting match.
The set worked well, with clever use of limited space. There were separate areas of the theatre set up as Frank's lounge, kitchen, the front door area, and a very adaptable wardrobe.
It's a shame the remodelling of Department didn't allow for a bigger theatre, if the plays are all this good.
If there are any tickets left, go grab 'em. You won't regret this chance to see a totally endearing Quivers in this very funny role.
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